If you're a business leader trying to reduce waste, improve hygiene, and meet sustainability targets without turning your operations upside down, this guide is for you.
When it comes to running a more eco-friendly business, commercial cleaning plays a much bigger role than you might think. From the products your cleaners use, to how your bins are set up, small changes can have a massive ripple effect on your workplace and the planet.
Let’s break it down into simple, high-impact actions, backed by 30+ years of Cleancorp experience in helping workplaces go greener (and cleaner).
Why Eco-Friendly Commercial Cleaning Is A Sustainability Win
Eco-friendly cleaning isn’t just about using “green” products. It’s about building better systems. Ones that reduce waste, lower your environmental impact, and make your workplace healthier, all without adding complexity or cost.
Here’s what you unlock with the right approach:
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Meet ESG and ISO 14001 goals without hiring a sustainability officer.
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Lower waste disposal costs by cutting down on landfill trips and tipping fees.
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Create a more eco-friendly workplace with cleaner air, less clutter, and fewer chemicals.
Step-by-Step: How to Building an Eco-Friendly Cleaning System
Step 1: Audit What You've Got
Start with a walkthrough audit:
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Where are the bins placed? Are they easy to access?
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Is signage clear?
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How often are bins overflowing or underused?
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Are staff confident about what goes where?
Tip: Take photos of your worst bin stations (it’s easier to get buy-in when you show the problem).
Step 2: Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Commercial Cleaning Partner
Look for these must-haves:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| ISO 14001 certified | Shows environmental best practices are embedded in daily ops |
| ISO 9001 certified | Consistent, high-quality processes across every site |
| B Corp certification | Proof they care about people and planet, not just profit |
| Transparent contracts | No hidden charges or vague deliverables |
| Eco-friendly services | Includes waste reporting, green products, and recycling coordination |
Tool to ask about: Monthly Service Reports with waste volume, contamination levels, and bin usage summaries.
Step 3: Create a Bin & Signage System That Works
Don’t leave 'eco-friendly' to chance. Partner with your cleaner to implement:
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Clearly labelled bins (paper, mixed recyclables, landfill, organic)
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Colour-coded bin lids (e.g., blue for paper, red for general waste)
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Posters and digital signage that explain what can/can’t go in
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Central and desk-side options to avoid excuses
Product Tip: Use Tersano SAO dispensers for refillable, chemical-free cleaning that aligns with your waste goals.
Step 4: Train and Empower Your Team
Make it part of onboarding, and part of the culture.
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Run a 15-minute eco-friendly recycling demo (your cleaning partner can lead this)
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Send quarterly waste performance updates to staff
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Put a recycling, eco-friendly “champion” in each department
Messaging matters: Frame it as helping the planet and protecting future generations; most employees will support that.
Step 5: Use Sustainable Cleaning Tools and Products
Your cleaning service should be using low-waste, low-toxicity options:
| Swap This | For This |
|---|---|
| Single-use wipes | Microfibre cloths (washable, reusable) |
| Harsh bleach | Tersano ionised water (no residue, no hazard) |
| Plastic-bottled hand soap | Wall-mounted refillable dispensers |
| Paper towels | High-efficiency air dryers or cloth towels |
Bonus: Ask if your provider uses products from “Who Gives A Crap” for paper goods made from recycled materials.
Step 6: Monitor, Report, Improve
No system is set-and-forget. The best ones evolve.
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Set targets: e.g., 40% landfill diversion in 6 months
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Get monthly data from your cleaner (how full bins are, contamination events, recycling rates)
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Adjust pickup schedules, bin placements, or staff messaging based on results
Track success with visual dashboards or simple bar graphs at all-staff meetings.
The Result? A More Eco-Friendly Workplace
By aligning recycling with your commercial cleaning operations, you can:
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Create a healthier, less cluttered space
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Reduce your environmental footprint
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Save on operational costs
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Boost staff engagement
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Meet ISO 14001 and B Corp-aligned sustainability goals
Final Checklist: What to Look for in an Eco-Friendly Commercial Cleaning Company
- ISO 14001, ISO 9001, or B Corp certified
- Offers waste audits and monthly service reports
- Provides eco-friendly products and refill systems
- Handles bin labelling and staff training
- Helps monitor contamination and adjust as needed
- Transparent, scalable service model
Ready to Make Your Workplace More Eco-Friendly?
Don’t settle for a cleaner that just takes out the bins. Choose one that helps you build a better, more eco-friendly business.
Contact Cleancorp today to learn how we support eco-friendly, clean, and smart workplaces - with 30+ years of commercial cleaning expertise across Australia and New Zealand.